Cheryl's social success showing how to shop better and smarter - in style

And local lady Cheryl McLorn is doing it in style, inspiring thousands to look the part - without breaking the bank.

So what exactly is this exciting work? Cheryl says: "I started my Instagram page about five years ago. I had worked in retail for about 17 years, always in the clothing industry. I started in Tammy Girl when I was a teen and also worked for 10 years in The Boulevard. I then moved to a 9-5 office job. I have always loved fashion so the page was a way to use my creativity again and share my love of styling.

"My account really took off during lockdown as I had more time on my hands to devote to it and I now have over 33,000 followers, which I still struggle to wrap my head around. As I have gotten older (I turned the big 4-0 last year!) I am more conscious of what purchases I make and really try to get the most from my wardrobe. My page really focuses on styling and how to get multiple outfits from minimal pieces. I would describe my style as quite simple and classic and I don't think you need to have lots of items of clothing just the right ones!"

Cheryl also shared the inspiration behind the success story.

"I have such brilliant followers and have had some great chats with lots of like-minded women. I have also received so many lovely messages from people who have found my page helpful and that I have helped them find their style or to utilise their existing wardrobe. I think a lot of Instagram pages can be a bit unrealistic. The majority of people cannot afford to be constantly buying new clothes and for them to be only worn once. As much as I love to shop, I like to show people how to shop better and smarter! I love being able to help people have more confidence with their style and that inspires me to keep going. I also have a great group of friends and family who are always supporting me and I have been so lucky to work with some fab local businesses.

She continued: "Social media can get a bad reputation but I have been lucky not to be on the end of any hate or nasty messages. I just wish I had more time in the day to devote to it, my weekends are pretty busy trying to get all my pictures done! I think to do well on Instagram you have to have a USP. Every Sunday I do a series called Style Sunday, this involves me styling one item multiple ways, it seems to get a lot of interaction from my followers and they associate that now with my page."

She's celebrating the present and planning for the future: "Last year was busy with my (multiple!) 40th birthday celebrations! This year my husband turns 40 so it's his turn to celebrate! This year I hope to go on a few more holidays, read more and continue to do well in work and also keep pushing my Instagram page and enjoy all the opportunities it brings. I've a keen interest in interiors and would love to develop that further this year too."

Busy, busy, but the diary can be cleared for me-time! Cheryl concludes: "I love to travel, some of my favourite places I have been to are New York, Italy and Santorini. I try to keep active and go to a circuits class at least three times a week. I also love walks at the weekend with my husband and our spoiled Miniature Schnauzer, Murphy. And spending time with the girls over cocktails and cheesy 90s music!"